Is Aqiqah Compulsory or Just Sunnah?

Question

Is ‘Aqiqah required? Allah has blessed me with a baby boy, and I heard that my husband should sacrifice two sheep for him. If he is in debt and cannot afford it, is he excused? Also, which takes priority: Hajj or ‘Aqiqah?

Bottom Line

`Aqiqah is Sunnah mu’akkadah (a confirmed Sunnah), not obligatory.

Quick Answer

No, `aqiqah is not compulsory. It is a confirmed Sunnah for those who can afford it. For a boy, two sheep are recommended; for a girl, one sheep. If a person is in debt or unable to afford it, there is no sin in leaving it. If, later in life, one becomes financially able, it is still praiseworthy to perform it. When choosing between Hajj and `aqiqah, Hajj takes priority.

Key Takeaway

• `Aqiqah is Sunnah mu’akkadah, not fard (obligatory).
• It is waived for the poor or the indebted until they can afford it.
• Hajj takes precedence over `aqiqah if both cannot be done.
• It can still be done later in life if missed at birth.

Detailed Answer

Muslim scholars hold three views on `aqiqah: some said it is obligatory, some said it is recommended, and some said it is Sunnah mu’akkadah. The strongest opinion is that it is Sunnah mu’akkadah.

The Standing Committee for Fatwa stated:

“`Aqiqah is Sunnah mu’akkadah. For a boy, two sheep should be sacrificed, and for a girl, one sheep. It is best on the seventh day, but it may be delayed, and there is no sin in delaying.”

(Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daimah 11/439)

If a person is poor or in debt, `aqiqah is not required. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.”

Al-Baqarah 2:286

And the Prophet ﷺ said:

“If you are commanded to do a thing, do as much of it as you can.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 7288, Sahih Muslim 1337

If one becomes financially able later, it is encouraged to do it even after the child grows up. The Prophet ﷺ himself did the `aqiqah for his grandsons al-Hasan and al-Husayn (Sunan Abi Dawud 2841, Sunan al-Nasa’i 4219).

Priority Between Hajj and `Aqiqah

If you must choose, Hajj takes precedence. Hajj is a pillar of Islam, while `aqiqah is a Sunnah.

It is also not required to announce that the meat is for `aqiqah. One may either cook the meat and invite others or distribute it raw — both are valid.

What This Means for You

If your husband is in debt or cannot afford it, he is excused. If Allah provides ease later, he may still do `aqiqah, even if the child is grown. But if it comes down to choosing between Hajj and `aqiqah, Hajj is the priority.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Baqarah 2:286: Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
2. Al-Hajj 22:78: Allah has not placed hardship in religion.
3. Al-Taghabun 64:16: Fear Allah as much as you are able.

Hadith

4. Sunan Abi Dawud 2841: The Prophet ﷺ did `aqiqah for al-Hasan and al-Husayn.
5. Sunan al-Nasa’i 4219: Report of the `aqiqah for al-Hasan and al-Husayn.
6. Sahih al-Bukhari 7288 and Sahih Muslim 1337: “If you are commanded to do something, do as much as you can.”

Secondary Sources

7. Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daimah 11/436–442: Rulings on `aqiqah in cases of poverty and delay.
8. Ibn Uthaymeen, Liqa al-Bab al-Maftuh: Guidance on delayed `aqiqah.